How to Stop Apps From Running in the Background on Android


6 min read 01-11-2024
How to Stop Apps From Running in the Background on Android

In the realm of Android devices, background apps can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they enable seamless multitasking, providing access to applications without waiting for them to load. However, they can also drain your battery, consume precious resources, and potentially impact the performance of your device. Have you ever noticed that your phone is heating up or that the battery percentage is plummeting faster than it should? This is often attributed to apps that continue to run in the background, consuming resources without your knowledge.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into how to stop apps from running in the background on Android devices, enhancing both performance and battery life. By the end, you will have a thorough understanding of why this is important and how to implement the changes effectively.

Understanding Background Processes

Before diving into the methods of stopping apps from running in the background, let's clarify what we mean by background processes. When you open an app on your Android device, it doesn't completely shut down when you return to your home screen. Instead, it might be paused, but it remains in a state of readiness to resume quickly when you launch it again. This is what we refer to as a background app.

Background processes are critical for apps that offer real-time updates, such as messaging applications or social media platforms. For example, when you receive a new message on WhatsApp, the app needs to run in the background to send you a notification, even if you’re not actively using it. However, not all apps require this constant activity, and that’s where the potential for resource consumption arises.

Why Should You Stop Background Apps?

  1. Battery Drain: Apps running in the background can significantly reduce battery life. According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, background applications can consume up to 30% of battery life on an average device.

  2. Performance Issues: The more apps you have running in the background, the more memory they consume, which can slow down your device. Especially in older models, this can be particularly noticeable.

  3. Data Usage: Background apps may continue to use mobile data, contributing to overages if you have a limited plan. This can lead to unexpected charges, so keeping a close eye on background activities can save you money.

  4. Privacy Concerns: Some apps may continue to run in the background, collecting data and sending it to servers without your consent. Stopping unnecessary apps can help maintain your privacy.

Now that we understand the implications of background processes, let’s explore how to effectively stop these apps from running in the background on your Android device.

Methods to Stop Apps from Running in the Background

1. Use Device Settings to Control Background Activity

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Open Settings: Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Settings panel and tap on the gear icon to open Settings.

  2. Apps & Notifications: Locate and select ‘Apps & Notifications’ from the menu. Depending on your Android version, this may just be called ‘Apps’.

  3. Select the App: Scroll through the list of installed applications and select the one you wish to limit.

  4. Battery Optimization: In the app settings, look for the ‘Battery’ option. Here, you will find various battery optimization settings.

  5. Optimize Battery Usage: Tap on ‘Battery Optimization’, and from the dropdown menu, choose ‘Apps not optimized’. Select the app you wish to restrict and set it to ‘Optimize’.

2. Utilizing the Force Stop Feature

If you want a more immediate solution, the Force Stop option is useful:

  1. Go to Settings: As described earlier, access the settings menu.

  2. Apps & Notifications: Navigate to this section.

  3. Select the App: Choose the app that you want to force stop.

  4. Force Stop: Click the ‘Force Stop’ button. This will terminate the app immediately.

While this does not prevent the app from restarting, it can be a quick fix if you need to conserve battery in the moment.

3. Disable Background Data Usage

To prevent apps from using data in the background:

  1. Open Settings: Access the settings menu as before.

  2. Network & Internet: Choose this option, and then select ‘Data Usage’.

  3. Mobile Data Usage: Here, you can select individual apps and toggle the ‘Background Data’ option off.

  4. Restrict Background Data: Consider enabling ‘Data Saver’ to restrict all apps from using data while running in the background.

4. Use Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party applications available that can help you manage your background processes more effectively. These apps offer advanced features for killing unnecessary background apps, cleaning up RAM, and optimizing overall performance. Some popular options include:

  • Greenify: This app allows you to selectively hibernate apps you don’t need in the background, saving both battery and resources.

  • CCleaner: Originally designed for cleaning up storage space, CCleaner also features tools for managing background processes.

  • SD Maid: This tool provides advanced options for managing background processes and freeing up resources.

5. Managing Background Processes via Developer Options

For advanced users, accessing Developer Options can provide more control over background processes:

  1. Enable Developer Options: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘About phone’ and tap on ‘Build number’ seven times to enable Developer Options.

  2. Access Developer Options: Go back to Settings and tap on ‘System’ > ‘Developer Options’.

  3. Background Process Limit: You will find an option labeled ‘Background process limit’, where you can choose how many processes can run simultaneously. You can set it to a lower number to restrict apps from over-utilizing resources.

6. System Updates and App Management

Sometimes, the issue with background apps can stem from outdated software. Keeping your operating system and applications up to date can optimize performance and potentially reduce unnecessary background activities.

  1. Check for System Updates: Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘System Updates’ to check if your device is up to date.

  2. App Updates: Open the Google Play Store, go to ‘My apps & games’, and ensure all your applications are updated.

How to Identify Problematic Apps

To optimize your background apps effectively, you need to identify which apps are consuming the most resources. This can be done through:

  1. Device Care or Battery Usage Settings: Many Android devices come with built-in features to monitor app performance. Access the ‘Device Care’ option in settings to view battery usage statistics and identify apps that are using resources in the background.

  2. Third-Party Monitoring Apps: Applications like GSam Battery Monitor provide detailed insights into how much battery individual apps are consuming.

Conclusion

Managing apps that run in the background on your Android device is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and prolonged battery life. By utilizing the built-in settings, employing third-party apps, and regularly monitoring your device’s performance, you can take charge of your Android experience.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will empower yourself to control your device's functionality. Not only will you experience a smoother performance, but you’ll also find that your battery life lasts longer than ever before. Make it a habit to periodically check your app settings and background usage, and you may be surprised at the difference it makes!

FAQs

1. Will stopping background apps affect my notifications?
Yes, stopping background apps can lead to delayed notifications for certain applications. However, most messaging and social media apps have settings to still send notifications even when not running in the background.

2. Can I stop system apps from running in the background?
System apps typically cannot be stopped completely; however, you can limit their background activity through the settings, though caution is advised as these apps are integral to the Android operating system.

3. How do I know if an app needs to run in the background?
Apps like messaging, email, and music players generally require background activity to function properly. You can refer to app descriptions and settings to assess their necessity for background operation.

4. What happens if I disable an app from running in the background?
Disabling an app from running in the background may lead to a decline in its performance, especially if the app relies on real-time updates. However, it will conserve battery and resources.

5. Can I manage background apps without rooting my device?
Yes, all the methods mentioned in this article can be performed without rooting your device, making them safe and accessible for average users.

By mastering these techniques, you take control of your Android device, ensuring it runs smoothly while conserving battery and resources effectively.